James Bulger killer Jon Venables could launch a bid to leave prison ‘within weeks’, it has been reported.
Jon Venables, 39, was 10 when he and Robert Thompson abducted, tortured, and murdered two-year-old James Bulger in February 1993.
Venables and Thompson each served eight years of life sentences before being freed on licence with new identities in 2001.
Venables returned to prison in 2010 and 2017, after being given another new identity, for possessing indecent images of children.
However, The Sun reports Venables’ file could be submitted to the Parole Board in April.
James Bulger killer Jon Venables: When is his release?
The tabloid claims expert reports are already being compiled for the Parole Board.
When submitted, the file will initiate a formal process in which a decision on whether a full oral hearing will occur. Otherwise the case may be assessed on the paperwork.
This process could take up to six months to complete.
Read more: Jon Venables, who killed James Bulger, wants early release for child porn sentence
Furthermore, the report claims Venables will receive a copy of his file. He could also appear before the panel to argue for his freedom in person .
However, any full hearing is considered likely to take place in secret to safeguard Venables’ new identity.
‘Venables stands a strong chance of release’
A source claimed Justice Secretary Dominic Raab could have the final say on a release.
The insider reportedly said: “
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